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What the Special Session Means—and Why SB5 Now Puts Us All at Risk
26 Jul 2025

What the Special Session Means—and Why SB5 Now Puts Us All at Risk

Texas kicked off a special session on July 21, where lawmakers were tasked with crafting sensible regulation around hemp-derived THC—not killing it. After Governor Abbott vetoed SB3 in June, citing concerns about legal overreach and calling for balanced regulation similar to alcohol, many of us breathed a little easier.

Abbott laid out a clear plan: adults over 21, reasonable THC caps, safety measures, age verification, and enforcement—not blanket bans. That was the starting point. But in just a few weeks, the Legislature may have thrown all that away.


SB5: The Same Harsh Ban, Repackaged

Day One of the session: Senator Charles Perry filed SB 5, a bill that looks suspiciously like SB3—the version Abbott just vetoed. SB5 passed the Senate State Affairs Committee unanimously. It’s headed for a full Senate vote today—and then moves to the House. With 27 days left in session, this law could become reality fast.MySA+1YouTube+1Cannabis Law Blog+6Texas Cannabis Policy Center+6The Texas Tribune+6

SB5 would:


What’s Been Said—and What’s At Stake

1. Law Enforcement & Public Safety

Senate testimony featured law enforcement leaders calling for an outright ban, warning THC products—especially those easily accessed—are a growing law-enforcement burden.Chron+7FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth+7MySA+7

2. Industry & Consumer Backlash

Groups like the Texas Hemp Business Council and Texas Cannabis Policy Center are accusing senators of ignoring public opinion. They remind lawmakers SB5 would destroy 53,000 jobs, force out 8,000 small businesses, and criminalize responsible consumers.Texas Cannabis Policy Center+8MySA+8Cannabis Business Times+8

3. The Abbott–Patrick Standoff

Governor Abbott now supports banning intoxicating and synthetic THC, but still favors a regulated approach with reasonable allowances for adults. Lt. Gov. Patrick, on the other hand, is doubling down on prohibition with SB5. This may become a political showdown.MySA+7Cannabis Business Times+7San Antonio Express-News+7


Why SB5 Didn’t Follow Abbott’s Game Plan

Abbott’s veto in June wasn’t against adult access—just against all-or-nothing policy. He pointed out legal vulnerabilities in SB3 and asked for regulation, not elimination. SB5 completely ignores that framework.

If SB5 becomes law:

  • Most hemp-derived products (including legal delta-8, THCA, delta-9 under 0.3%) vanish.

  • Consumers could face crimes—even for simple possession.

  • Farmers, employers, and retailers lose their livelihoods.

  • An unregulated black market is almost certain to grow.

Expect legal pushback and lawsuits—just like those already brewing in Arkansas over similar bans.Texas State Senate+1MySA+1Chron+5Marijuana Moment+5Houston Chronicle+5Chron+2Cannabis Law Blog+2Houston Chronicle+2The Texas Tribune+1LegiScan+1

What Happens Next—and What You Can Do

  • Today: SB5 heads to the full Senate floor for a vote.

  • Immediately after: the House will take it up.

  • 27 days remain to shape the session outcome.

Public officials still have time to follow Abbott's original roadmap—reasonable regulation, not total loss.

Here’s how you can push back:

  1. Contact your state senator and representative—urge them to oppose SB5.

  2. Share this post—don’t let lawmakers silence voters.

  3. Stay informed—join hearings, read updates, and know your rights.

We haven’t lost yet—but we’re on thin ice. Let’s keep standing AND speaking.

Together, not yet defeated.

—Sam
 Owner, Happy Hippy Haus
 happyhippyhaus@outlook.com
 936-244-0626

 

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